Canon EOS 50D User manual

WHITE PAPER

THE CANON

EOS 5D MARK II CAMERA:

HIGH PERFORMANCE FOR

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

THE CANON

EOS 50D CAMERA:

UNPRECEDENTED

FLEXIBILITY OF DIGITAL

PHOTOGRAPHY

I. Overview 4
II. Summary of New and Improved Features 8
EOS 50D vs. EOS 40D 9
EOS 5D Mark II vs. EOS 5D 10
EOS 5D Mark II vs. EOS-1Ds Mark III 11
III. Video Recording on EOS 5D Mark II 13
Features and Benefits 14
Positioning 16
Tech Info 18
Technology Highlight - New Video Shooting Capability 19
IV. Performance and Reliability 20
Advanced Sensor Designs 21
DIGIC 4 and 14-bit A/D Conversion 23
Image Recording and Processing 25
• RAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG 25
• Intelligent Lithium-ion Battery on EOS 5D Mark II 26
Image Enhancement 26
• High ISO Noise Reduction 26
• Peripheral Illumination Correction 27
• Auto Lighting Optimizer 28
• Highlight Tone Priority 28
High Resolution, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD 29
Live View shooting with AF 30
Precise 9-point AF Systems 31
Improved Viewfinder Experience 33
Rugged Construction 33
EOS Integrated Cleaning System 34
Intuitive Button and Dial Arrangement 35
Increased Shutter Durability 35
Action-stopping Burst Modes 36
UDMA Compatibility 36
HDMI Connectivity 36
Technology Highlight - Live View Function 38
V. Controls and Convenience 39
Camera Settings and Displays 40
Creative Auto Mode 40
Image Quality Controls 42
Playback Controls and Displays 42
My Menu and User Settings 43
Custom Function Controls 43
AF Microadjustment 44
Quick Control Screen 45
Printing and Camera Direct Controls 45

VI. Intelligent Bundled Software 46
New Features in EOS Utility and DPP 47
VII. New Accessories and Lenses 48
Battery Grips 49
Wireless File Transmitters 50
EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens 51
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens 52
VIII. Specifications 54
EOS 50D 55
EOS 5D Mark II 60
EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Wide Angle lens 68
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Wide Angle-Telephoto Zoom lens 69
IX. Feature Comparison Charts 70
EOS 50D vs. EOS 40D 71
EOS 5D Mark II vs. EOS 5D 73
X. Conclusion 76
Contents ©2008 by Canon U.S.A., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Excerpts from this material may be quoted in published product reviews and articles.
For further information, please contact Canon U.S.A., Inc. Public Relations Dept., (516) 328-5000.

4

I. OVERVIEW

Great photographers know that one of the secrets to capturing exceptional photos is to

match the camera, lens, and accessories to the photo assignment at hand. But budget also

plays an important role in maintaining a competitive advantage, especially for advanced

and semi-professional photographers fighting for the recognition they deserve. That’s why

Canon’s newest DSLRs, the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II are designed, built, and priced

to appeal to a wide range of serious photographers, with groundbreaking features inspired by

creative professionals.

Both cameras inherit the rugged bodies, exceptional performance, and enduring value that

made the EOS 40D and EOS 5D two of the top-selling DSLRs in their categories. In

keeping with Canon’s history of technology advancements and unrivaled control over the

manufacturing process from integrated circuits to optical coatings, the EOS 50D, at

around $1,400, and the EOS 5D Mark II, at around $2,700, are priced similarly or well

below the introductory prices of their predecessors. Yet both offer improved image quality,

higher precision AF systems, and a host of exciting new features.

The EOS 50D’s 15.1-megapixel, high sensitivity CMOS sensor, designed with an improved

EOS Integrated Cleaning System to resist dust, offers exceptional resolution, image quality, and

low-light performance for an APS-C sized imaging sensor. Its 14-bits per channel of RAW

data is masterfully converted into more natural colors, finer color gradations, razor-sharp detail,

and extraordinarily low noise images by Canon’s state-of-the-art DIGIC 4 Image Processor.

The processing prowess of the DIGIC 4 Image Processor also enables the EOS 50D’s 6.3 fps

burst rate at full resolution as well as a new suite of sophisticated — and automatic — image

enhancement features.

5

I. OVERVIEW

EOS 5D Mark II

EOS 50D

The EOS 5D Mark II camera breaks new ground for a full-frame DSLR. It shares 80% of its

features with the EOS 5D, and 10% with the flagship Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III (including a

Full-frame 21.1-megapixel sensor and bright, full coverage optical viewfinder). However, the

EOS 5D Mark II’s 21.1-megapixel sensor is unique and offers an exciting feature found on no

other DSLR to date—30 fps, 1080p Full HD video recording with sound! The 1080p HD video

recording mode represents a paradigm shift for still photographers and videographers alike, and

promises to open new creative doors and

commercial opportunities for advanced,

professional, and fine art photographers.

With it activated, photographers and video-

graphers can capture high definition video

with depth-of-field control found only in

professional video models—using much more

affordable Canon EF lenses including fisheye,

ultra-wide, and image stabilized lenses.

To accommodate the larger 36mm x 24mm full-frame sensor, the EOS 5D Mark II sports an

improved optical viewfinder with an impressive 98% coverage. In concert with the new sensor and

integrated DIGIC 4 Image Processor, the EOS 5D Mark II gives photographers unparalleled

opportunity to capture images with superb tonal gradations, extended dynamic range, and a low

signal-to-noise ratio—allowing normal ISO settings up to 6400, and expanded ISO settings up

to 25,600. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor enables faster startup times and a 3.9 fps burst rate

with continuous capture of 21.1-megapixel JPEGs limited only by the capacity of the memory

card when using UDMA-compliant CF cards. Advanced in-camera functions similar to

those found in the provided Digital Photo Professional RAW conversion software are also a

benefit of the DIGIC 4 Image Processor and include Peripheral Illumination Correction,

High ISO Noise Reduction and Auto Lighting Optimizer.

Both of the new EOS models now feature multi-coated 3.0-inch LCDs

with 920,000-dot resolution—displaying nearly four times the detail as

those found on previous Canon DSLRs. The LCDs also feature improved

dirt resistance, menu readability, reduced reflectivity for enhanced viewing

in bright light, and 100% scene coverage to assist manual focusing and

composition in Live View mode. For novices getting the feel of the

EOS 50D or EOS 5D Mark II, the new Quick Control screen lets you

make common exposure and image quality adjustments from just one

screen, or you can use the screen to modify settings in the Creative

Auto settings mode.

6

I. OVERVIEW

EOS 50D’s 3.0-inch LCD

1080p HD Video

Both EOS cameras offer Quick and Live AF modes that work in Live View mode,

including a Face Detection AF mode that optimizes exposure and focus for a selected face.

Faster AF speed and tracking is possible when using the viewfinder in either camera. The

EOS 5D Mark II’s 9 AF points are arranged in a diamond-shaped array within the

viewfinder for improved horizontal and vertical focus

coverage and tracking. Eight of the AF points are horizontal-

line sensitive with f/5.6 or brighter lenses, while the center

point is a cross type with vertical line sensitivity with f/2.8

or brighter lenses. These selectable, and visible 9 AF points

are assisted by six invisible supplemental AF Assist Points

that can combine with the center AF point to increase its

size when tracking fast moving subjects.

The autofocus engine on the EOS 50D also includes 9

cross-type AF points in a diamond array, with eight providing

horizontal and vertical sensitivity with f/5.6 or brighter

lenses, and a unique diagonal, high precision center sensor

that works with f/2.8 or brighter lenses. In addition, both the EOS 50D and EOS 5D

Mark II AF systems, like Canon’s latest 1D-series professional models, can now correct

for focus point shifts caused by different light sources, and feature an AF Microadjustment

setting to help fine tune individual Canon EF lenses.

The EOS 50D will suit the needs of advanced photographers looking for an extremely

durable and affordable camera that also features incredible image quality, fast capture, a

precision AF system, and an integrated pop-up flash system. Serious photographers and

pros looking to capture images with incredible detail, wider fields of view and extreme low

light scenes will find the extra cost of the EOS 5D Mark II well worth it. Add in the

1080p HD video recording and the EOS 5D Mark II can’t be beat at any price.

7

I. OVERVIEW

EOS 5D Mark II’s Viewfinder

8

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES

EOS 50D vs. EOS 40D

• 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C size) with improved microlens design for superior

image quality

• Advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster image processing and writing

• Approx. 6.3 fps continuous shooting even at maximum image size with bursts up to 90 shots

( JPEG, Large/Fine in high-speed continuous mode using UDMA CF card), up to 16

shots in RAW, and up to 10 shots in RAW+JPEG Large/Fine

• Normal ISO range from ISO 100 to 3200, with expanded ISO range from 6400 to 12,800

• Fortified moisture and dust seals around battery compartment and memory card

compartment

• Improved long exposure noise reduction, and high ISO noise reduction with Standard,

Low, Strong, or Disabled settings

• Support for high speed UDMA-compliant CF cards

• Peripheral Illumination Correction compensates for light falloff, using optical characteristics

of up to 40 Canon lenses stored in camera

• Improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System with Fluorine coated low-pass filter and

manual control of Self Cleaning Sensor Unit activation

• Optical viewfinder data now includes camera shake warning symbol, accepts 3 optional

interchangeable focusing screens

• AF Microadjustment setting now included in Custom Functions

• EOS 50D’s 3.0-in., Clear View LCD with 920,000-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and a

wider viewing angle (approx. 170° vertical and horizontal)

• LCD includes dirt and smudge resistant Fluorine coating and anti-reflective coatings

• Quick Control screen displays essential camera settings in one window, with single press

of rear 8-way multi-controller

• Live View Function with Silent shooting mode and 3 AF modes: Quick AF uses the

camera’s 9 AF points with a momentary interruption of live viewing. Live AF mode uses

contrast detection with an AF frame that can be moved around the image area.

Face Detection AF locks in on detected faces in scene and can be set to desired face

• Two different framing grids are provided for improved Live View composition

• Support for reduced-resolution sRAW1 (7.1 megapixel) and

sRAW2 (3.8 megapixel) files

• Improved Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) and Highlight Tone Priority settings

• Creative Auto exposure mode allows intuitive adjustment of settings

• Higher degree of customization with 25 Custom Functions and 72 possible settings

• HDMI connectivity allows you to view your still photos or slide shows on a High

Definition TV or projection system. Output resolution is set automatically to

HDTV model

• Compatible with EF and EF-S lenses, including new compact EF-S 18–200mm

f/3.5–5.6 IS lens with in-lens Optical Image Stabilizer

9

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES

EOS 5D Mark II vs. EOS 5D

• Accepts optional Battery Grip BG-E2N with capability to house 2 BP-511A lithium-ion

batteries or 6 AA/LR-6 batteries (same as EOS 40D)

• Compatible with compact Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A which connects

camera to wireless and wired LAN networks, or to USB drives and GPS units (same as

EOS 40D)

• Switch to registered AF point is possible (Home Position function)

• 21.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor (Full-frame, 36mm x 24mm). Canon-designed and

manufactured with improved microlens design and 6.4 micron pixels for superior image

quality 0.76x viewfinder magnification (approx. 35° angle of view), approx. 20mm eyepoint

• Advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor provides faster image processing and card writing

speed, plus faster 0.1 sec. startup time

• 14 bits per color A/D conversion in DIGIC 4 Image Processor yields finer gradations,

more accurate colors, and improved highlight and shadow details

• Recording and playback of 1080p Full HD video (1920 x 1080 pixels per frame at 30 fps)

with sound is now possible in Live View mode, a first for any EOS Digital SLR camera

• Built-in microphone records in mono; 3.5mm diameter stereo mini jack can be used to

record from stereo audio sources

• Picture Style settings can be used in video recording mode

• Image Stabilized lenses can be used during HD video recording

• Basic ISO range 100~6400; ISO expansion setting extends ISO range from ISO 50 to 25,600

• Approx. 3.9 fps continuous shooting even at maximum image size with bursts limited only

by memory card capacity ( JPEG, Large/Fine images in high-speed continuous mode)

when using a UDMA CF card or up to 14 in RAW, up to 13 in RAW+JPEG Large/Fine

• Continuous HD movie recording time up to approximately 12 minutes using a 4GB CF card

• New, more durable shutter rated to 150,000 shots for professional level usage

• Fortified moisture and dust seals around battery compartment, memory card compartment

and multiple buttons

• Improved long exposure noise reduction, and high ISO noise reduction with Standard,

Low, Strong, or Disabled settings

• Support for high speed UDMA-compliant CF cards

• Peripheral Illumination Correction compensates for light falloff, using optical characteristics

of up to 40 Canon lenses stored in camera

• Improved EOS Integrated Cleaning System with Fluorine coated low-pass filter and

manual control of Self Cleaning Sensor Unit activation

• Improved optical wide-coverage viewfinder covers 98% of scene, data now includes ISO speed,

Highlight Tone Priority indicator (D+), monochrome: B/W, and Battery check indicators

• New Eg-series focusing screens include Precision Matte, Precision Matte with grid and

Super Precision Matte

10

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES

EOS 5D Mark II vs.

EOS-1Ds Mark III

• Improved AF sensor with 9 visible and 6 invisible assist AF points now automatically cor-

rects for shifts in focus due to different light sources

• AF Microadjustment setting for fine-tuning individual lenses is now included in

Custom Functions

•New AF Start button for rapid activation of autofocus system

• Control button layout has been rearranged for more intuitive access on camera back and top

• 3.0-in. Clear View LCD with 920,000-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and a wider viewing

angle (approx. 170° vertical and horizontal)

• LCD features dirt and smudge resistant Fluorine coating and anti-reflective coatings

• Quick Control screen displays essential camera settings in one window

• Live View Function with Silent shooting mode and 3 AF modes: Quick AF uses the

camera’s 9 plus 6 AF points with a momentary interruption of live viewing. Live AF mode

uses contrast detection AF with an AF box that can be moved around the image area.

Face Detection AF locks in on the closest face (up to 35 faces are detectable) and can be

set to follow desired face

• Newly developed 2 motor system drive powers shutter mechanism and mirror assemblies

independently

• Support for reduced-resolution small RAW files: sRAW1 (10 megapixels) and sRAW2

(5.2 megapixels)

• Improved Auto Lighting Optimizer (ALO) and Highlight Tone Priority settings

• Higher degree of customization with 25 Custom Functions with 71 possible settings

• HDMI connectivity allows you to view your still photos or slide shows on a High Definition

TV or projection system. Output resolution is set automatically to HDTV model

• Compatible with EF lenses, including new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens

• New LP-E6 lithium-ion, 1800mAh smart battery provides data on remaining shot capacity,

shutter count, and recharge performance

• Accepts new optional Battery Grip BG-E6 with capability to house 2 smart LP-E6

lithium-ion batteries or 6 AA/LR-6 batteries

• Compatible with compact Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4A which connects camera

to wireless and wired LAN networks, or to USB drives and GPS units

• Both offer 21.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensors, but EOS 5D Mark II is priced

nearly $5,000 less than EOS-1Ds Mark III

• EOS 5D Mark II is lighter and more compact. The EOS-1Ds Mark II is built to tighter

pro standards and includes a vertical grip and shutter release

• EOS 5D Mark II features 1080p Full HD video and sound recording

• Has HDMI output for viewing video and still images

• Has three AF modes in Live View Function: Quick AF, Live AF and Face Detection AF

• Uses single DIGIC 4 Image Processor with fast processing and writing

11

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES

• Features normal ISO range from 100–6400, expanded ISO range from ISO 50 to 25,600

• EOS 5D Mark II’s 3.0-in. LCD has higher 920,000-dot resolution and added coatings for

smudge resistance and low reflectance

• Image processing features include Peripheral Illumination Correction and Auto Lighting

Optimizer

12

II. SUMMARY OF NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES

13

III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

The EOS 5D Mark II’s Full High Definition (HD) video recording and playback functionality

is creating a paradigm shift in the way still photographers and videographers approach their

craft. In the past, one camera or camcorder couldn’t do it all, so advanced and professional

photographers rarely thought outside of the still-picture box—and into the fluid motion world of

video with sound. But as the thirst for video on the Internet expands and as news organizations

tighten their budgets, it will be more cost effective to send one EOS 5D Mark II equipped

photographer to an event or wedding instead of a still photographer

and movie crew, or a single wedding photographer to capture

the important moments in both formats, thus giving owners

of the EOS 5D Mark II a distinct competitive advantage.

On the other hand, serious videographers rarely use their

camcorders to capture still images—even though most modern

camcorders have the ability. The reason? The average still

frame taken by a camcorder (even an expensive 3-chip,

HDTV model) is under 5.0-megapixels and may include

image quality problems that show up in print. Unlike these

camcorders, the 21.1-megapixel EOS 5D Mark II can capture

extraordinary quality still images for print clients and even expand the creative possibilities

when recording HD video clips. It’s lighter, smaller, and lower-priced than most professional

HD camcorders, yet provides amazing depth-of-field control, exposure compensation and white

balance controls, and full compatibility with Canon’s super-telephoto, macro, fisheye, tilt-shift,

soft focus, and image stabilized EF lenses.

Until now, there were no affordable 1080p HD video camcorders able to capture ultrawide or

fisheye perspectives without the addition of distortion-producing adapter lenses, and none

that had the depth-of-field control found in the EOS 5D Mark II. There are several reasons

for this: all current 3-chip HD camcorders, even those costing over $10,000, use 1/3-inch (or

smaller) format sensors with pixels that are approximately 1/10 the size of those found in the

EOS 5D Mark II. Pixel size primarily affects the light sensitivity and noise levels, with smaller

pixels being less sensitive and producing higher noise. Using 3 sensors to capture individual

RGB color channels helps to improve light sensitivity and reduce overall noise to some extent.

But the sensor size affects the focal length required to deliver a normal zoom range, and because

of the small sensor size, most camcorders feature lenses with focal lengths that start around

5mm and extend to 50mm (for a 10x zoom) or 100mm (for a 20x zoom that’s roughly

equivalent to 400mm focal length on a full-frame camera such as the EOS 5D Mark II)

Depth of field at any given aperture increases as focal length decreases, so for most focal

length positions on a typical HD camcorder, it's nearly impossible to blur background elements

when shooting a portrait or closeup. On the other hand, even an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens

mounted on an EOS 5D Mark II will provide narrower depth of field at all apertures compared

Features and Benefits

14

III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

to the fully zoomed-in focal length on most camcorders. And few video cameras in existence

can match the narrow depth of field of Canon’s EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lens used by many

top-end portrait shooters. Because of these unique video recording traits and the versatility

provided by Canon’s EF lens system, the EOS 5D Mark II should be as attractive to serious

videographers as it is to advanced and professional still photographers.

It may seem like a small technological advance to move from a full-frame DSLR model

offering a Live View Function (such as the more expensive EOS 1Ds Mark III) to a full-frame

DSLR offering both Live View and 1080p Full HD video recording functionality. But it was

an engineering feat that only Canon, with its long history as a manufacturer of consumer

and professional level camcorders, premium lenses for TV and broadcast cameras, and

advanced CMOS sensors could achieve. Canon’s knowledge of the real world challenges

faced by videographers was also behind several features that take the EOS 5D Mark II to

the next level. These include the 3.5mm diameter stereo mini jack for connecting a stereo

microphone or external audio mixer to the camera, a built-in speaker for audio playback, an

HDMI output jack for viewing both stills and video clips on an HDTV monitor, and the

ability to record either 16:9 ratio, 1080p HD videos with sound, or 4:3 ratio, SD (VGA

resolution, 640 x 480) videos with sound directly to UDMA or high speed CF cards.

The two video resolution choices are selected via menu on the camera’s LCD, as are the desired

Picture Style settings for creative control of the video image quality. Once the camera is set to

Live View mode, pressing the Set button on the camera back activates the video recording function.

At any time during video recording, photographers can capture

high-resolution still images with the press of the shutter

button (or up to 3.9 fps burst rate). Still images taken during

recording are always shot in Program AE mode, regardless of

the Mode Dial settings in effect. ISO is also set automatically

for still images during video recording, from 100 thru 6400,

or up to ISO 12,800 when ISO expansion is activated in the

Custom Function menus. During the time it takes to record

the image as a separate file on the memory card, a freeze frame

of the photo is displayed during playback, and sound recording

is temporarily suspended.

If desired, the Live AF Function, with or without Face Detection, can also be activated during

video recording mode by pressing the AF-ON button on the EOS 5D Mark II’s back panel (there

are some potential limitations to live autofocusing during moving recording). Manual focusing and

zooming of the attached lens is also possible during video recording, and recommended when using

the camera’s internal microphone to reduce the chances of recording AF motor noises.

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III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

Video file

(1)

Still photo file

(2)

(3)

(4)

Approx. 1 sec.

Video Still display Video

Pressed

completely

CF card

Recording completed

live video reappears

Still Photo During Video Recording (Conceptual Diagram)

Positioning

In order to view 100% of the scene while recording in 16:9 ratio HD or 4:3 ratio SD, the

camera automatically adjusts the LCD display to the proper aspect ratio with unused portions

of the normal 3:2 aspect ratio still image area partially grayed out. The display can also be set

to include exposure and time remaining indicators, as well as the movable focus frame area. In

playback mode, a familiar tool bar allows you to jump from scene to scene, pause action, or

proceed in slow motion. When connected to an HDTV via an optional HDMI cable, the

camera automatically senses the resolution of the TV and provides the proper signal for the

highest quality video playback possible.

Since the camera records video using the popular “.mov” storage format, a wide variety of

movie editing programs can be used to edit the video clips or combine clips into short

videos. Canon includes its Movie Edit Task software, for Mac or Windows computers, to

allow basic video editing at the computer. These clips can then be resaved on a CF card and

played back on the camera monitor or fed out to an HDTV via an HDMI cable or provided

audio video cable. That’s a great way to show off your video highlight or even slideshow

portfolios of your favorite subjects.

Thinking outside the box: Many still photographers have never even used a camcorder or had

video training. To them, the HD video recording mode on the EOS 5D Mark II might seem as

odd a feature as adding Live View Function once did on a DSLR. (But once you’ve used Live

View Function to shoot an otherwise impossible macro shot, or take photos remotely from a

computer, you’ll understand its benefits.) So here are some scenarios where the video recording

feature might help to increase a photographer's sales or capture unforgettable moments:

Wedding photographers: Some couples can’t afford to hire both a professional photographer

and a professional videographer, and when they can, both pros can’t always be in the same

place at the same time. The EOS 5D Mark II can be used to capture an HD video of the

bride throwing the bouquet (freezing the flowers in mid air in a still frame, of course!) and

then continue to record HD action as bridesmaids and guests battle for control of the

bouquet (or turn and run in the other direction!)

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III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

Video Display (16:9)

Video Display (4:3)

Photojournalists: The market for high-resolution video news footage and for expanded web

video coverage of news events can increase the commercial possibilities for traditional still

photographers at news or sporting events. This is especially true in situations where a photo-

journalist is already holding the EOS 5D Mark II over his head in Live View mode in order

to get a view of the action. For some newspapers, the resolution provided by a single HD video

frame might be more than adequate for printing if that scene captures the defining moment at

an event, in which case the EOS 5D Mark II captures 30 frames per second!

Fashion and runway: The crush of photographers and videographers competing for every

available inch of space at the end of a fashion runway may be a scene (and nightmare) of the

past once the EOS 5D Mark II hits Fashion Week. That’s because one camera will be able to

do both jobs well and ease the camera crowd pressure. With a hand-held, image stabilized,

wide angle to moderate telephoto zoom lens, the only thing a dedicated still shooter will have

to remember is that videos don’t record well when the camera is held in a vertical orientation.

But with the incredible resolution captured by this camera in still mode, who will know you

didn’t shoot verticals?

Underwater photographers: First, digital photography expanded the number of shots possible

during a photo dive from 36 exposures (on film) to hundreds on a memory card. Then came

the relief of using the Live View Function instead of trying to squeeze a dive mask against the

small viewfinder. Now it’s set to revolutionize the underwater photography and video world

with a camera that’s small enough to fit in a moderately priced still camera housing, yet has

the potential to capture both wide angle HD video clips and superior quality still photos.

This is the kind of camera that works well under pressure!

Nature: You’ve hiked to the remotest corners of the Alaskan wilderness to capture Grizzly

bears during the salmon run, bald eagles gathering in unprecedented numbers, or polar bears

giving birth. You only had enough room in your backpack (and energy in your body) for one

camera system during these once in a lifetime moments—and you chose the EOS 5D Mark

II. Why limit yourself to selling the incredible still photos you captured to The National

Geographic magazine when in the same building you can try to sell HD video footage for

use on the National Geographic HDTV channel?

Law enforcement: Documenting a crime scene or capturing surveillance photos can be a

challenging task, and you don’t want to miss the evidence or any aspects of a crime in

progress. In HD video recording mode, you won’t miss a thing, and you can always capture a

high-resolution still image for extreme enlargement when something catches your eye.

Now, imagine placing the EOS 5D Mark II closer to the action and controlling it from an

optional remote control or even a remote computer—and you’re realize the benefits of its

video recording prowess plus its silent still shooting mode.

17

III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

Tech Info

Video resolution: Capture Full HD videos (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 30 fps with mono sound

(from camera) or stereo sound (from compatible external audio source). Captures standard

SD videos (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 fps.

Video recording format: MOV using MPEG-4 compression (H.264).

Audio format: Sound is recorded as linear PCM without compression in mono (when

recorded by monaural microphone located under camera nameplate) or in stereo (when

using optional external stereo microphone). Sound levels and wind filter settings are

adjusted automatically by the camera.

Recording time: The EOS 5D Mark II will record video up to 4GB per clip or a maximum

continuous video capture time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds, whichever comes first.

Depending on the level of detail in the scene, a 4GB memory card can record approximately

12 minutes of movies at Full HD resolution or approximately 24 minutes in standard definition.

Exposure: When shooting videos, the metering mode is set to a modified evaluative

metering which uses the image sensor. Exposure is controlled using Program AE and

allows exposure compensation and AE lock. ISO is automatically set by the camera (100

to 6400, expandable to 12,800), and video shutter speeds range from 1/30 to 1/125th

(always set automatically by the camera).

Picture Style: Video are recorded using the Picture Style set for Live View Function still

shooting (black & white video recording is possible). Picture Style sharpness, color saturation,

and other parameters will be reflected in the video footage.

Input jacks: 3.5mm external stereo microphone terminal

Output jacks: HDMI output terminal (cable sold separately) and Audio/single-pin Video

OUT terminal (cable included).

Playback controls: Includes play, pause, stop, single frame advance, slow motion playback

in forward and reverse, jump to beginning or end of clip, and audio output level. In

thumbnail review mode, videos show perforation graphic to left side to differentiate them

from still photos.

18

III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

19

III. VIDEO RECORDING ON EOS 5D MARK II

New Video Shooting Capability

Still photographers who also need to capture motion picture

video will find the video recording capabilities of the EOS 5D

Mark II highly useful, often eliminating the need to carry a sep-

arate camcorder. The EOS 5D Mark II can shoot video at Full

HD (High Definition) at 1920 x 1080 pixels or SD (Standard

Definition) at 640 x 480 pixels. The frame rate is 30 fps.

To begin video shooting, the user simply presses the SET

button while the camera is in Live View mode. Pressing SET

again ends recording. The maximum file size of individual video

clips is 4GB. This works out to approximately 12 minutes of

footage when shooting in HD, and 24 minutes shooting SD.

There is no real delay before being able to start the next new

video clip, and the only limit to the number of clips you can shoot

is the size of your memory card. Videos are recorded as MOV

files (with MPEG-4 compression), and the sound is recorded

using uncompressed linear PCM (pulse code modulation).

The Picture Style selected for the Live View mode is

used for video recording. Thus, adjustments

to a Picture style — such as sharpness,

color saturation, etc. — will be reflected in

the captured video footage.

Focus is performed prior to the start of

video recording. As with still shooting, the user

can focus manually or use one of three AF modes. Focus can be

reacquired in the midst of video shooting using the AF-ON

button. Program AE is used for exposure control with all video

recording. The image sensor is used for metering, and exposure

is calculated in real time using an evaluative algorithm.

A built-in microphone below the camera nameplate

records monaural sound. Stereo recording is possible with an

external stereo microphone connected to the camera’s mic

input connector (a standard 3.5mm stereo jack). Audio levels

are automatically adjusted whether recording with the built-in

or an external microphone.

Still photos can be captured at any time during video

recording simply by pressing the shutter release button. The

photo is captured at the currently active still image quality

settings. Video recording is momentarily interrupted while a

still photo is being captured; the Live View Function returns

and video recording automatically resumes as soon as the still

capture is completed.

Video can be played back on the EOS 5D

Mark II LCD monitor with sound reproduced

via a built-in speaker located to the right of the

viewfinder eyepiece. Playback options include

standard and slow motion replay (with variable

speed) and various still-frame capabilities.

Video Playback Screen

20

IV. PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY

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